Trá an DĂłilĂn (Coral Strand) is a beautiful Blue Flag beach famous for its coral beach and crystal clear waters which make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding. The coral is actually a misnomer as its not genuine coral but a coraline algae called ‘maŃ‘rl’. Similarly, the sand is not ordinary sand, but rather ‘biogenic gravel.’
Trá an DĂłilĂn
Coral strand
Carraroe beach
Coral strand
Lifeguard hut
WAW Discovery Point
Trá an DĂłilĂn (Coral Strand)
The beach is located not far from Carraroe village in the Connemara Gaeltacht which is the Irish language area of County Galway. An CeathrĂş Rua (Carraroe) means red or rugged area which is evident from the wild landscape and craggy coastline.
There are public toilets at the beach along with a lifeguard patrol on duty during summer months.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Bia Blasta Cafe in Carraroe while in the area for great food and coffees.
What to expect at the coral beach
Map of Trá an DĂłilĂn (Coral Strand)
Coral Beach Carraroe FAQs
Where is the Coral Beach in Galway?
The Coral Beach is located in Connemara, County Galway, on the western side of the Carraroe Peninsula. While it takes just under an hour to travel 45 kilometers from Galway City to the community of Carraroe, Coral Strand is only accessible by car.
What is special about the Coral Beach, Carraroe?
Tra a Doilin, also known as the Coral Beach, is one of Ireland’s most remarkable beaches, located between Casla Bay and Greatman’s Bay. It’s made up of countless numbers of what appears to be coral in a variety of colors rather than sand. Grab a handful of this coralline algae known as maerl; it shimmers with the mother of pearl of small shells, tiny fragments of coral, and tiny branches of delicate underwater plants, with colors ranging from purple, orange, and yellow, fading down to pure bleached white.
How was the Coral Beach formed?
One of only two coral beaches in Ireland, The Coral Beach is a rare natural feature. The other coral beach is located next to Gleesk Pier in Sneem, Co. Kerry. Coral beaches are made of dried and sun-bleached algae, unlike the other sand-based beaches in Ireland.
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